Beneath Orvieto’s pretty streets and medieval façades lies another world—a silent, mysterious one that takes you back to the Etruscans and the Middle Ages: Orvieto Underground.
On a guided tour through this underground labyrinth, you’ll discover how generations of Orvieto’s residents carved tunnels, stairways, storage rooms and even dovecotes from the soft volcanic rock. These hidden spaces served as shelters, workshops and storerooms and were cleverly used in times of siege, shortage or simply lack of space above ground.
The walk takes you through narrow passages, past deep wells and hidden chambers. With the guide’s stories, the past suddenly comes alive. From Etruscan water cisterns to medieval olive presses. And all the while, life bustles on the piazza above, making the contrast even more fascinating, like stepping into another era for a while.
Inside the caves
The caves date back to Etruscan times of over 2500 years ago. They are a network of tunnels and spaces, created to dig up stones for the building of houses in the surrounding area. The corridors are all interconnected, creating an underground world which has been used for centuries by the inhabitants of Orvieto.
In the first cave of the tour, one sees remains of an olive press from the Middle Ages. There’s a high humidity and a constant 14-15 degrees, which is ideal for the production of olive oil. There are other historical details in this cave, such as a wine cellar, a water reservoir and a fireplace.
Etruscan remains
Furthermore, in the cave, there is an enormous artificial cavity originally exploited as a Pozzolana quarry. This Etruscan well is so large that a man can easily descend into it.
Via another entrance, we visit a cave with small corridors, tunnels, rooms and narrow stairs. The cavities you see in the walls were used to keep pigeons that flew in and out through the openings. The locals ate the pigeons, and to this date, it is still a culinary speciality in Orvieto. The pigeons don’t live in the caves anymore.
When you decide to go to Orvieto, we recommend a visit in the Orvieto Underground. For children, it is a nice experience, and you learn quite a bit of the history of Orvieto.
Opening hours & tickets: see the official Orvieto Underground website for current info and reservations.
Want to know what else to explore above ground in Orvieto? Read our full city blog with tips for your visit.
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